Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

Glucose levels can change rapidly depending on various factors, including diet, physical activity, stress, and medication. Here’s a breakdown of how quickly glucose levels can fluctuate:

  • After Eating: Blood glucose levels can rise within 15-30 minutes after consuming carbohydrates, peaking around 1-2 hours post-meal.
  • Physical Activity: Exercise can lower blood glucose levels within minutes, especially if the activity is intense or prolonged.
  • Medication: Insulin or oral diabetes medications can lower blood glucose levels within 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the type of medication.
  • Stress or Illness: Stress hormones like cortisol can cause blood glucose levels to rise within minutes to hours.

It’s important to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly, especially if you have diabetes, to understand how your body responds to different factors.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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